Groningen (NL) winner
Remco Rolvink (NL)
Wijde Geldelozepad 11a
architect - urban planner
2012 EJ Haarlem,
Elizabeth Keller (NL)
The Netherlands
landscape architect
T. +31 614466967 remco@remcorolvink.nl www.remcorolvink.nl www.atelierelizabethkeller.nl
168 Prelude Team point of view The Prelude concept treats the Hoendiep and Suikerunie area in Groningen as a free field where landscape and city meet. Open space is the most valuable, while access and a clear point of attraction need to be added. Prelude is a strategy for the first stage of a gradual spatial and social process to connect the free field to the urban fabric by a bridge and strip that create space. Recognising the uncertainties about the future development of these plots, the design focuses on the essential starting point, with a connector and attractor to trigger an adaptable form of urban use The local community is encouraged to plant Miscanthus at the site, for harvesting and use as material for green concrete to built the bridge step by step, so that it becomes an attraction as it grows. Jury point of view The designers of this project have resisted the temptation to do what the brief challenged them to do, i.e. devise an attractive programme. They have deliberately chosen not to do so, not least because they recognise an important quality in an empty, unprogrammed space. They limit their intervention to opening the area up and improving access. To that end they have designed a bridge that is both a connector and attractor. Volunteers will carry out most of the building work. In this way the project can also become a community and social bridging concept.
Hoendiep site as entrance
meeting point rural and urban
free field and central strip
plan and side view of Hoendiep bridge turned and connected with Suikerunie terrain
connector